A sell-out 4500 crowd wanted to see the Aussie tourists

The teams were set for a 20-over game at The Grange when the rain finally relented in the afternoon.

But, almost as soon as organisers announced that play would begin at 1545 BST, rain started to fall again.

Australia had hoped for some match practice, but they and a 4,500 sell-out crowd - who will be refunded - were frustrated by the Edinburgh weather.

Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith was disappointed that the team's chance in the cricketing limelight was denied them by the elements.

"We won't lose anything financially, the biggest loss for us was not having the game played and the exposure on TV," he lamented.

"The loss for us was the missed opportunity to play against Australia."

Scottish officials are hoping to arrange matches with next summer's tourists Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Skipper Craig Wright admitted that it was plain bad luck that prevented his Scotland side from playing against the world champions.

"The players are gutted and the spectators are too but there was nothing we could do. It is really unfortunate," he said.

"After having such a good summer to have the one day of rain today is unbelievable.

"Hopefully this won't be a one-off. It is eight years since the Australians were here last so hopefully it won't be another eight until they are here again.

"There are some exciting things in the pipeline I believe."